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The Jewish Cemetery in Chisinau: A Testament to History

Explore Moldova's Jewish heritage at Chisinau's historic cemetery, a poignant reminder of a once-thriving community.

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The Jewish Cemetery in Chisinau stands as a poignant reminder of Moldova's Jewish heritage. Established in the early 19th century, it is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, bearing witness to a community that once comprised a significant portion of the city's population.

A brief summary to The Jewish Cemetery in Chisinau

  • Milano St 1, Chișinău, Sectorul Buiucani, 2012, MD
  • +37379415654

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery grounds are extensive and require a fair amount of walking.
  • Take time to reflect on the history and significance of the site, paying respect to those buried there.
  • Look for the memorial to the victims of the 1903 Chisinau pogrom and the grave of Rabbi Leib Jehuda Cirilson.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, head to the Central Bus Station (Autogara Centrală) on Calea Moșilor 1A. Take bus number 20 towards Buiucani and get off at the 'Mihail Kogălniceanu' stop. Walk straight along Mihail Kogălniceanu Street until you reach Milano Street, then turn left. The cemetery is at Milano Street 1. A single bus ticket costs 6 MDL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Chisinau. Request a ride to 'Cimitirul Evreiesc de pe strada Milano 1' (The Jewish Cemetery on Milano Street 1). The journey typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi fares vary, but a ride from the city center should cost approximately 51.5 MDL. You can hail a taxi or use apps like Yandex Go or iTaxi.

  • Walking

    If you are near Stefan Cel Mare Central Park, walk south toward Mihai Eminescu Street. Continue to Calea Moșilor and go left. Walk to Mihail Kogălniceanu Street, turn right, and continue to Milano Street. Turn left onto Milano Street; the cemetery will be on your left.

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Discover more about The Jewish Cemetery in Chisinau

The Jewish Cemetery in Chisinau, located on Milano Street in the Buiucani sector, serves as a significant historical landmark and a place of quiet reflection. Established in the early 19th century, with the first burials dating back to 1800, the cemetery officially opened in 1825. It grew to become one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, reflecting the vibrant Jewish community that thrived in Chisinau. By 1940, Jews constituted about half of the city's population. Spanning approximately 12 hectares today, the cemetery originally covered a larger area of 15-16 hectares. Over time, the city expanded, gradually encroaching upon its grounds. During the Soviet era, a portion of the cemetery was repurposed, with tombstones crushed and used for construction. Despite past desecration, including the demolition of walls and tombstones, the cemetery remains an extraordinary site filled with intriguing graves. Visitors can explore the old and new sections, discovering the ruins of a synagogue and a crypt. Among the thousands of graves, visitors will find a memorial to the victims of the 1903 Chisinau pogrom, a tragic event that marked a turning point in Jewish history. The cemetery also holds the grave of Rabbi Leib Jehuda Cirilson, the chief rabbi of Bessarabia for many decades. The cemetery serves as a museum of Jewish history, depicting an age gone by. Despite the neglect and damage, the Jewish Cemetery in Chisinau stands as a testament to a vibrant community and a reminder of the traumas faced by the local Jewish population.

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